Stirring up the 2010 logo design debate

It is believed that a huge PR opportunity was missed by not opening the design up to the whole country, for indivdual designers and the general public alike to take part.

The website advocates that the design process should have been far more democratic and transparent as it would have also encouraged more people to look to design, branding and advertising as a career. This would have created a wave of previously disadvantaged designers entering the industry.

Many designers also feel that the logo is below standard - but instead of promoting criticism, the website invites designers to prove they could have done better through a democratic one person, one vote competition, in which the public is invited to view the logos and vote for their favorite logo.

The inspiration for the website was derived from a similar website that was created by 11 German designers protesting the logo design process for the 2006 World Cup. The website is still up and can be viewed at www.11designer.de.

What the website aims to do is hold an unofficial logo design competition which is open to everyone and is free of charge. There will be a number of prizes supplied by sponsors for the overall winning design. Just as designers are invited to submit their logos, sponsors are invited to contribute and in return will be visible on a website that is aims to attract a lot of attention.

The website also aims to inspire designers to begin designing the official poster and mascot so that it can be submitted to FIFA for possible consideration.

www.notthe2010logo.co.za aims to build enthusiasm, open discussion about the official logo and the selection process itself, as well as act as future portal that will possibly contribute to elements of the 2010 Worlld Cup. The website is not for profit and aims to contribute positively to the World Cup in South Africa while furthering design in South Africa.